UFC 311 results, takeaways: Islam Makhachev deserving of praise; Merab Dvalishvili proving how great he is [Video]

Despite a tragic outbreak of wildfires across greater Los Angeles and a change to the main event just 24 hours before, UFC 311 proved to be an exciting kickoff to the 2025 pay-per-view schedule for the world’s leading MMA promotion on Saturday.

Islam Makhachev defended his lightweight title via first-round submission against replacement Reinato Moicano in the headliner after Arman Tsarukyan pulled out Friday due to a back injury caused by a difficult weight cut. In the co-main event, Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov co-authored one of the most thrilling title bouts in divisional history as “The Machine” made the first defense of his 135-pound title. 

Let’s take a look at the biggest takeaways from a memorable night inside the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. 

1. Don’t let the opponent change rob Islam Makhachev of his flowers

Yes, from a betting odds perspective, Makhachev did what was …